Our strategy
Our purpose, mission, and vision, and how we're making change happen.
What we're here to do
We're working towards a future free from harm, deaths or suffering caused by poor mental health and drug and alcohol use.
Why we exist
- There are almost 100 drug-related deaths every week in the UK - that’s over 13 deaths per day.
- Scotland currently has the highest drug-related death rate in Europe.
- 82% of dependent drinkers in England are not in treatment.
- Each week 700 people are hospitalised and 24 die in Scotland as a result of alcohol use.
- Throughout their lifetime, 1 in 15 people attempt suicide.
- In Scotland, the proportion of adults reporting attempted suicide has nearly doubled from 4% in 2008/9 to 7% in 2018/19 and 2021/22.
We exist to change this.
Working towards a future free from harm
We support more than 100,000 people a year, but this is more than a number. Every story shared, every challenge faced, and every win celebrated is testament to our impact.
We’re proud of what we’ve achieved so far, and we’re dedicated to continuous learning and growth. We take each lesson learned forward with us so we can continue to meet the ever-changing needs of our community.
Over the years we’ve come a long way in supporting those facing drug, alcohol, and mental health challenges. But there’s still much to be done.
We won’t stop until we achieve our vision of a future free from harm caused by alcohol, drug and mental health challenges, where anyone seeking help feels welcomed, not judged.
As the UK and Scottish governments embed a renewed focus on drug, alcohol and mental health support, we’ll be at the centre of this much-needed shift.
Our vision, mission, and purpose
The heart of our work, established in 1967, remains unchanged: to help one another.
Purpose
To enable people to overcome drug, alcohol and mental health challenges and reclaim wellbeing.
Mission
To be there for adults and young people experiencing challenges with drugs, alcohol and their mental health by providing free, timely and confidential support.
To work with people on their unique recovery path, whether it’s staying safe and healthy, making small changes or stopping a harmful habit altogether.
To end the stigma associated with poor mental health and drug and alcohol use so that everyone feels able to reach out for help.
Vision
A future free from harm, deaths or suffering caused by poor mental health and drug and alcohol use, where anyone seeking help feels welcomed, not judged.
Enhancing support, empowering change
Our current strategy is all about making support better for everyone. Through three core goals, we aim to transform client support, improve outcomes and fight stigma.
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Radically improve (more) people’s chances of getting better
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Reduce inequalities in treatment and recovery for marginalised people
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Grow an agile, sustainable organisation that invests in its people and services
Explore our full strategy below and discover the steps we're taking to turn these goals into reality.
Want to know more?
Find out how we're transforming these goals into reality and shaping a future free from harm.